Chapter 31: Very Big

The office was in a state of frantic activity.

Deputy Director Wang issued one order after another, his voice slightly hoarse. He lifted his enamel mug and took a sip of tea.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Li Aiguo and suddenly remembered that they had actually forgotten their great contributor.

One of the bureau leaders beside him had noticed it as well.

With a smile, he said, “Director Wang, Comrade Li Aiguo has rendered such outstanding service. Shouldn’t our bureau show him some recognition?”

Deputy Director Wang rubbed his brow. “According to Engineer Dong’s calculations, these sandbags could save countless railway workers’ lives and prevent the loss of tens of thousands of tons of supplies.”

“Moreover, if the sandbags prove effective, they can be promoted nationwide. Our railway section will certainly receive commendation from the ministry.”

“Ordinary rewards really wouldn’t be enough.”

The bureau leader’s eyes shifted as he lowered his voice. “Outstanding Party Member? Advanced Worker? Model Worker?”

Deputy Director Wang pondered for a moment, then nodded. “Those are indeed the three most suitable titles. Of course, we’ll also have to see what attitude the ministry takes.”

“That needn’t be rushed. We should wait until the sandbags are officially put into use. Once we have results, it won’t be too late to convene a meeting and discuss the matter.”

“I’ve heard that Comrade Li Aiguo’s family is struggling financially. We can give him a material reward first.”

The bureau leader smiled bitterly. “That’s only right, but we can’t give him money. It’s too sensitive.”

“An engine driver who isn’t even officially employed has rendered such service...”

“What are you worried about? Are you afraid Comrade Li Aiguo is too outstanding and will attract trouble?” Deputy Director Wang raised his head.

The bureau leader shook his head. “Not that. I’m worried that if the other railway sections hear about him, they’ll come and try to poach him.”

“Han the Baldy from Harbin Permanent Way Section has been recruiting people lately.”

“A while back, he set his sights on Zhang the Big Driver. I called him and gave him a furious dressing-down.”

Deputy Director Wang slammed his hand onto the desk. “If Han the Baldy dares reach out again, I’ll chop off his claws.”

After the two men had reached an agreement, Deputy Director Wang turned and walked over to Xing Liuzhu, head of the front locomotive section.

“Old Xing, your locomotive section has produced quite a promising young man.”

Xing Liuzhu rose with a smile. “Li Aiguo’s father sacrificed himself to save a train. He’s carrying on his father’s profession—like father, like son.”

“For a comrade with such a good background, reliable political credentials, and genuine ability, we ought to entrust him with greater responsibilities and give him appropriate rewards.”

Seeing that Deputy Director Wang was speaking so frankly, Xing Liuzhu was slightly taken aback. He asked hesitantly, “Director, what Li Aiguo has come up with this time—is it really that significant?”

Deputy Director Wang said, “Very significant.”

“How significant?”

“If Han the Baldy finds out, he’ll certainly come to poach him.”

Xing Liuzhu felt a jolt in his heart. He nodded slowly. “I understand.”

His gaze hardened with resolve.

The matter he had been considering finally had an answer.

...

None of this had anything to do with Li Aiguo.

After verifying the blueprints with Engineer Dong, he made his way back to the courtyard house under cover of darkness.

Exhausted after a long day, he soon fell asleep.

Early the next morning, Li Aiguo was washing up in the central courtyard.

Xu Damao came running from the rear courtyard and leaned close to him, asking in a low voice, “Aiguo, how did the exam go yesterday? Can you pass and become a driver?”

“It shouldn’t be a problem.” Li Aiguo raised his brows.

Xu Damao immediately grew excited. “The moment you get your driver’s license, tell me.”

“What scheme are you plotting this time?”

“Heh, don’t worry about it. When the time comes, I’ll let you watch a grand show.” Xu Damao chuckled mischievously.

Li Aiguo rolled his eyes and ignored him.

After brushing his teeth, he was about to return to his room when Xu Damao glanced around and leaned over to whisper, “I heard from Yi Zhonghai that Foolish Pillar is about to be released.”

“Is that so?” Li Aiguo frowned.

Xu Damao looked around furtively. “Apparently the Deaf Old Lady went to call in some old friends from the past.”

“Brother Damao, do me a favor and find out when Foolish Pillar will be released.”

Li Aiguo spat out the foam, picked up his enamel mug, and turned toward the rear courtyard.

Xu Damao watched his retreating back and scratched his head. “Hey, this kid actually ordered me around...”

Then he suddenly burst out laughing. “Still, our Damao loves doing this sort of thing.”

Although Xu Damao did not believe Li Aiguo could deal with the Deaf Old Lady, there was always a chance.

...

Letting Foolish Pillar take the blame alone while sparing the rest of those beasts had already been a major concession.

Now these people actually wanted to drag Foolish Pillar back out.

They were simply too greedy.

Li Aiguo was in a foul mood.

He could not even be bothered to prepare a proper breakfast. He made only a bowl of cornmeal porridge and fried two eggs.

After eating and drinking his fill, Li Aiguo was just about to leave when Zhou Tiehu came rushing over.

The moment he pushed open the door, he charged forward and hoisted Li Aiguo high into the air.

“You rascal, two perfect scores! You’ve really brought honor to your father!”

Did all train drivers have a habit of picking people up?

Heh.

That was actually a good habit.

There were plenty of young women in a train crew.

Li Aiguo smiled. “Uncle Zhou, how did you hear about this?”

“Ah, word has spread throughout our locomotive section. Early this morning, Section Chief Xing summoned me.”

Zhou Tiehu seemed to remember something. He grabbed Li Aiguo’s hand and pulled him outside. “Come on, come on. Section Chief Xing is waiting for you in his office.”

Li Aiguo did not own a bicycle, so he had no choice but to sit on the back of Zhou Tiehu’s.

Both men were heavyweights. Together they weighed nearly three hundred and fifty pounds, and the only thing that happened to the bicycle was that its tires sagged a little.

The things made in those days were truly built to last.

They could be passed down through three generations—long after you were gone, they would still be there.

Unlike the products of later generations.

In order to maximize profits, manufacturers designed all sorts of methods into their products to ensure they had a limited service life from the moment they left the factory.

Often, a product would break down the instant its warranty expired, forcing you to buy a new one.

Muttering inwardly, the two men arrived at the locomotive section.

It was rush hour, and workers streamed endlessly through the entrance. The guard was checking everyone’s identification one by one.

Zhou Tiehu called out a greeting and rode his bicycle into the compound.

The section chief’s office was on the second floor.

Zhou Tiehu led Li Aiguo to the office door and knocked lightly. Only after a stern voice came from inside did he push open the door and enter.

“Section Chief Xing, I’ve brought Comrade Li Aiguo.”

“Old Zhou, thank you for your trouble.” Xing Liuzhu gave him a slight nod.

Knowing that the two men had matters to discuss, Zhou Tiehu excused himself on the grounds that he was busy with work and left ahead of time.

Before leaving, he shot Li Aiguo a meaningful glance, signaling him to perform well.

Once Zhou Tiehu was gone, Li Aiguo turned, closed the door properly, and sat down across from Xing Liuzhu in a relaxed manner.

Xing Liuzhu looked Li Aiguo up and down, then clicked his tongue twice. “If your father could see how far you’ve come today, he would surely be deeply gratified.”

“Uncle Xing, speaking of that, I still have to thank you.”

Li Aiguo spoke with heartfelt sincerity. “After my father was injured, you ran from place to place to help my family apply for subsidies. Later, you organized the workers from the locomotive section to donate to us.”

“To put it plainly, without your help, our family would have had a very hard time making it through those difficult years.”

At those words, Xing Liuzhu’s expression grew emotional. “Old Li was an outstanding train driver. He sacrificed himself for the section. As section chief, it was only right that I take care of his family. Unfortunately, with the resources available to us, what I did was still far from enough.”

Without realizing it, Xing Liuzhu had drawn much closer to Li Aiguo because of what had happened back then.